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The Falcons are Flying High, can the Broncos Stop them?

Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons have opened the season red hot, winning their last three games by an average margin of 11 points. Included in this win streak was a dismantling of the once vaunted Carolina Panthers defense in which Julio Jones broke a Falcons record with 300 yards receiving.

This week, however, they face a Broncos team with an undefeated record, due in large part to their terrifying defense. The Broncos have playmakers on all three levels who have already shut down the likes of Jameis Winston, Andrew Luck, and Cam Newton this season.

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The Broncos have surrendered just 170 passing yards per game through four weeks thanks to an airtight secondary and explosive pass rush. They have the second most sacks in the league with 17 and allow their opponents to complete just 55% of their passes.

It’s a classic matchup, high-octane offense versus suffocating defense. But is that the most important aspect of this game?

As good as the Broncos defense is, the Falcons defense is equally bad. Atlanta has given up 419 yards and 31 points per game, both almost worst in the league.

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Trevor Siemian is questionable to play in the game, but has shown an ability to beat teams with his arm. Against the Bengals he threw for 312 yards and 4 touchdowns and has only gotten better as the season has progressed.

Paxton Lynch proved to be a capable replacement last week, passing for 170 yards and a touchdown in a little more than two quarters of play.Regardless of who’s under-center for the Broncos, they’ll find plenty of holes in the Falcons’ secondary.

Even if Denver is unable to stop the Atlanta passing attack, it may not matter because of the success that they’ll find on offense. I’m predicting a 27-23 victory in favor of the Broncos.